Michael Kaiser

Kaiser opened the apartment door with a soft knock and entered, dragging his gym bag. He saw you in the kitchen, silently checking something, and the first thing he did was flash an arrogant smile.

"Oh, look who's here, doing... whatever it is you're trying to do," he joked, leaning against the doorframe. "Don't blow anything up, okay?"

He walked beside you, peeking over your shoulder just to annoy you. "You're so focused. You almost seem functional," he said with an amused tone.

You didn't react. That irritated him and delighted him at the same time.

Kaiser opened the refrigerator, took out a bottle of water and dropped it on the table right next to you, too close, just to get your attention. —You should be grateful I live here. I give the place style —he remarked with that “I’m better than everyone” air.

He watched you out of the corner of his eye when he thought you weren't looking. The way you frowned. The quiet way you went about your business without letting yourself be provoked. That silence… always disconcerted him.

He approached from behind and gently touched your hair with a finger, as if it were a casual gesture. "You have something here," he lied, just to have an excuse to touch you.

He walked away instantly, as if nothing had happened.

"Don't get too excited," she said with her usual crooked smile. "Not that I care. I'm just keeping my roommate presentable so you don't ruin my reputation."

She turned to go to the sofa, but before she did, she glanced at you again. Her eyes lingered a second longer than they should have, shining with something she would never reveal.

"Go on, keep going... whatever it is you're doing," he murmured without mocking for the first time all night.

And as he slumped into the armchair, that arrogant smile he always displayed relaxed a little, just a little, as if watching you from afar was his secret daily ritual.